New York Gallery Features New Julie Blackmon Works

Missouri-based photographer Julie Blackmon has taken inspiration from artists as far from the present as Dutch Renaissance painter Jan Steen from the 17th century. Her meticulously composed photographs often feature multiple subjects and chaotic scenes that resemble Dutch family portraits.

In one of two new works recently made available through New York’s Robert Mann Gallery, she takes a more contemporary approach. “Thin Mints” features five children crossing the road in a suburban neighborhood—one toting a red wagon stacked with Girl Scout cookies and an upset toddler—in a parody of the Beatles’ iconic “Abby Road” album cover.

Ms. Blackmon takes multiple images to compose the final versions of her photographs—cherry-picking her favorite elements to include in the final image. In another new work, “Top,” from late 2013, children prepare for a performance in a series of striking poses. One wears a Lincoln-style top hat; another stands patiently as an adult hand applies makeup to her face. In the bottom corner, a tiny face peaks out from beneath an enormous fruit hat. Robert Mann Gallery, which hosted a solo show for the artist last year, said her photographs start at $3,500 for a small-format print and can range upwards of $10,000.